Summer Storm Extends ORC Worlds Lead Off Sorrento

12th May 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Capri Chase — The ORC World Championship fleet stretches across the Gulf of Naples during day two of inshore racing off Sorrento Credit: Studio Borlenghi

Summer Storm tightened its grip on Class 0 at the ORC World Championship 2026 after another dominant display in the Gulf of Naples. Three inshore races were completed on Tuesday as the championship continued between Naples and Sorrento in lighter winds than forecast.

The TP52 Summer Storm, owned by Andrew Berdon, won all three races in Class 0 to extend its overall lead after five races.

Spinnaker sprint off Sorrento in the ORC Worlds fleet. Photo: Studio Borlenghi

Italy’s RocketNikka, owned by Roberto Lacorte with Lorenzo Bressani calling tactics, moved into second overall after posting a third place and two runner-up finishes. Australia’s Vudu remains close behind in third. “It was a very tactical day, with lighter wind than expected and very similar boat speeds,” said Bressani. “Everything is still wide open and can change again tomorrow.”

Class 0 rival Xio retired from the second race after breaking a spreader at the start.

In Class A, Sweden’s Ran continued its consistent form to stay top of the standings. The Carkeek 40+ owned by Niklas Zennström now leads from Morgan V and Garm 42. “Three races and very variable conditions – a full-on day,” said Ran tactician Adrian Stead. “The level of competition is extremely high.”

Ran powers through Class A competition in the Gulf of Naples. Photo: Studio Borlenghi

Class B is led by Malta’s X-41 Technonicol after two race wins on Tuesday. Argentina’s Katara sits second overall, while Italy’s To Be is third. “We started well in all three races and adopted a conservative approach,” said Technonicol skipper Mati Sepp. “Conditions were difficult to read, but we managed them well.”

Cyprus entry Freedom 24 tops Class C ahead of Lady Day 998 and Spain’s Diputación de Huelva DE/6.

The championship continues on Wednesday with the coastal race around Capri, followed by the final inshore races on Thursday.

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